ánh

Ánh is a Vietnamese given name used for both men and women. It originates from the Vietnamese word ánh, meaning light or shine, and carries connotations of brightness and clarity. As a name, Ánh is frequently used on its own or as the first element of compound given names such as Ánh Dương (radiant daylight) or Ánh Sáng (light). It is common in Vietnam and among Vietnamese communities abroad.

In modern usage, Ánh is considered a unisex name, though it appears more often in feminine or neutral names in contemporary practice. Historically, it has been used for men as well, as in the case of the 18th-century figure Nguyễn Ánh, who later became Emperor Gia Long, founder of the Nguyễn dynasty.

Notable people associated with the name include Nguyễn Ánh (1762–1820), who founded the Nguyễn dynasty and was posthumously known as Gia Long. In more recent times, Vietnamese swimmer Vũ Thị Ánh Viên (born 1996) is a prominent bearer of the name in the middle-given-name position; she has achieved recognition as an Olympic medalist.

In Vietnamese language use, the word ánh occurs in common phrases that convey light and visibility, such as ánh sáng (light), ánh nắng (sunlight), and ánh mắt (glance). These phrases illustrate the semantic core of the name, which centers on brightness and perception.